SU students win the 2024 Asia Cultural Heritage Conservation Initiative Award
Students from Silpakorn University have been awarded the 2024 Asia Cultural Heritage Conservation Initiative Award.
Students from the Faculty of Architecture at Silpakorn University, particularly those in the Vernacular Architecture and Built Environment program and the International Program in Architectural Heritage Management, Creative Industries, and Tourism, have developed a project proposal focused on the conservation of cultural heritage in the context of today.
Their mission is to safeguard its value of cultural heritage for future generations and address the challenge of sustainable development. The Asian Cultural Heritage Youth Forum 2024, scheduled for October 1–5, 2024, will feature more than 100 project proposals from several Asian countries. This year, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, is the venue for the event. Twenty project proposals were submitted, and 100 youths from 22 Asian countries showcased their unique concepts for safeguarding endangered cultural heritage, maintaining its significance, and promoting sustainable development in the future. With the endorsement and collaboration of the China Cultural Relics Protection Foundation, Swinburne University of Technology, Fudan University, Sun Yat-Sen University, the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Tourism in a UNESCO-designated site, and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts of Sarawak, Malaysia
Furthermore, students from Silpakorn University, comprising Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Bhutanese, pursued their studies at the Faculty of Architecture under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr. Kriengkrai Kirdsiri. They received two honors after presenting their project proposal to the public at the Museum of Borneo: the first prize and the Outstanding Project Proposal Award for Creative Conservation. The recipients of these honors will receive a prize of 20,000 Malaysian ringgit, which is equivalent to approximately 150,000 baht. Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development of Sarawak, Malaysia, presented the award.
The winning proposal, "From Local Wisdom to a Sea Salt-Based Construction Materials Economy for Intergenerational Sustainability," aims to protect the cultural landscape and the traditional sea salt industry in Samut Songkhram Province, while simultaneously fostering the development of new products that will create opportunities for local communities. A project proposal for research and innovation in the creation of construction materials from salt, waste materials, and marine trash achieves this objective. The team comprises Poomipat Norapoompipat, Phạm Lê Gia Huy, Natthakorn Utraratchkij, Kiadtisack Penglengdee and Sainan Han
"The Local Wisdom in Community-Based Establishment," which aimed to create a collaborative platform for the preservation of local architectural heritage amidst global issues, won the best proposal award and was recognized for its exceptional project proposal in conservation innovation. This platform seeks to serve as an interdisciplinary educational resource for the new generation and facilitate opportunities for the preservation of vernacular architectural heritage through international collaboration. The working group comprises homkhwan Suvarnananda, Kulthida Pothimit, Sasikarn Chaitaweep, Eisuke Shoji and Thinley Jamtsho Tshering
Kulthida Pothimit articulated her sentiments, stating, "I am profoundly impressed after attending the Asian Cultural Heritage Youth Forum 2024 in Sarawak, Malaysia." This journey has provided me with numerous possibilities and insights. I got the opportunity to converse and engage with friends from other countries and languages. I became acquainted with the cultures and languages of various nations. I noted many perspectives and modes of thought, encompassing the cultures and lifestyles of urban inhabitants. The experience was enriching, expanding my perspectives, and instilling in me the importance of coexisting with respect for cultural variety while fostering my identity as a global citizen committed to sustainable development.
Natthakorn Utraratchkij articulated that "participating in Asian Cultural Heritage Youth 2024 in Sarawak, Malaysia, was among the most significant opportunities of my life." The initial success of the Salt Farmers Cultural Heritage Conservation Project stemmed from transcending my own perspective to engage with the international community, listening to feedback from the international professor and expert. This achievement has motivated the forthcoming Salt Farmer Project. I extend my gratitude to the Asian Cultural Heritage Foundation for affording me the opportunity to showcase my universality, the collaboration of the community, the exemplary group members, and the organizers of the Asian Cultural Heritage Youth Event. This would not have been possible without such help.
Kiadtisack Penglengdee "I traveled to Kuching, Malaysia, where I exchanged ideas with participants from various countries and learned about the local culture, history, and the unique examples of longhouse architectural heritage." This has fostered affection, comprehension, and esteem for the cultural diversity of individuals.
Pham Le Gia Huy expressed, “Engaging in this activity afforded me the opportunity to acquire new knowledge, valuable knowledge, and suggestions from experts and peers internationally, which I will implement in my future responsibilities and research.”
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